Purpose: The effects of alcohol has long been studied
concerning its effects on the nervous system and motor coordination
(i.e. drinking and driving).
This Bi-week Scientific AmeriKen will examine the effects of alcohol
on nervous systems a couple steps down on the evolutionary scale. The purpose
of this experiment will be to deteriment if ethanol has detrimental effects
on the simple nervous systems of garden snails.

Hypothesis: The hypothesis of this experiment
will be that alcohol will have general effects on the snails which include
hampering their motor coordination. This hypothesis is based on the assumption
that as alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream it works to surpress the
speed at which the nerves communicate messages. Furthermore, that the snail
having similar nerve structures as organisms with more complex nervous
systems, that the effects of alcohol will then be felt by the snails.Equipment: Needed for this experiment are 3
snails, ethanol alcohol in some form (used in this experiment was Kamchatka
vodka), some kind of snail food (orange leaves were used in this experiment)
paper, and a pen.Procedure: The first step is to set a point
of attractant for the snails. this is done by smearing a food source along
the piece of paper in a straight line. The second step is to subject the
snails to alcohol in varying amounts. The first snail is the control snail
and should remain "sober". The second snail should recieve a light amount
of alcohol. Place it's head in the alcohol for no more then 30 seconds.
Finally the third snail should be submerged in the alcohol for no more
then 30 seconds. Place all three snails on their own'food line' and observe
and plot the directions that they travel.Results:

Alcohol
free snailThe snail in this run was left unaffected
by the ethanol. It moved at a relatively quick pace and usually in a constant
direction. However, it does seem to be unattracted toward the orange tree
leaves.

Snail
came in slight contact with alcohol When the snail first touched the
alcohol, a "sizzling sound could be heard, when the snail was placed on
the paper, it proceeded to move in a deliberate pace.

Snail
was submerged in the alcohol The Snail stayed in place throughout
the course of the study. It however, showed signs of life.

Conclusions: Based on the results, it seemed
as though the alcohol had no 'intoxicating effects' on the snails. Rather,
the alcohol seemed physically harmful to external structures of the snail.
It should also be stated that it was not discernable whether the submerged
snail was "faded" or was just recovering from wounds. In all, it
would seem the hypothesis was proven untrue and simple nervous systems
are not effected in the same manner as more complex systems.Click here to view the actual lab book for this
experiment.Click here to go to a printable version
of this experimentRight Click here to adjust the sound--->